Pressure flaking

Definition

Pressure flaking is a stone tool manufacturing technique that involves applying controlled pressure to the edge of a stone core to detach small flakes. This method allows for precise shaping and sharpening of tools, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the tool in various tasks during the Paleolithic period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pressure flaking is often associated with advanced tool-making cultures during the Upper Paleolithic period, indicating a high level of craftsmanship.
2. This technique allows for better control over the size and shape of the final tool, making it possible to create finely pointed implements like arrowheads and scrapers.
3. Tools produced through pressure flaking tend to have thinner, sharper edges compared to those made using other methods, improving their efficiency.
4. Pressure flaking requires specific materials, typically fine-grained stones like flint or obsidian, which can be shaped easily without breaking.
5. The skill involved in pressure flaking is thought to reflect cognitive advancements among early humans, showcasing their ability to plan and execute complex tasks.

Review Questions

• How does pressure flaking differ from other stone tool manufacturing techniques?
  • Pressure flaking is distinct because it uses controlled pressure rather than direct strikes to detach small flakes from a stone core. This results in greater precision and allows for the production of finer and sharper tools. Unlike more basic techniques that rely on brute force, pressure flaking showcases a higher level of skill and understanding of material properties.
• Discuss the role of pressure flaking in the advancement of lithic technology during the Paleolithic era.
  • Pressure flaking played a crucial role in the advancement of lithic technology by enabling early humans to produce more sophisticated and specialized tools. This method allowed for greater control over tool shape and sharpness, leading to innovations such as finely crafted arrowheads and knives. As a result, it contributed to improved hunting efficiency and other survival strategies that were vital during the Paleolithic era.
• Evaluate how pressure flaking reflects cognitive advancements in early human societies.
  • Pressure flaking reflects significant cognitive advancements in early human societies by indicating an understanding of material properties and tool design. The ability to plan and execute complex tasks required higher-level thinking, showcasing problem-solving skills essential for survival. The precision achieved through this technique suggests that early humans were not only skilled artisans but also capable of strategic thought processes that contributed to their adaptability and success in diverse environments.

Related terms

Flintknapping: The art of shaping stone, especially flint, into tools and weapons by striking or applying pressure to create sharp edges.

Lithic Technology: The study of ancient stone tools and the methods used to manufacture them, providing insights into past human behavior and cultural practices.

Core: The larger piece of stone from which smaller flakes are removed during tool production, serving as the primary material for making tools.